Just wanted to say Welcome to Frisky and Avian. Happy to have you on board.

We're only a few short days into it and already 2013 has coughed up a contender for worst movie of the year award. That's right, I'm looking at you TEXAS CHAINSAW 3D.

This movie is terrible guys. Absolutely wretched. There is some entertainment to be had here, but only on a "so shit it's funny" kind of level. There's a couple of decent gore bits but that's it.

The story is beyond stupid, the acting is terrible, and, to make matters worse, it serves up the least scary Leatherface in the history of the series. There's nothing even remotely imposing about this guy. You can say what you will about the Michael Bay produced remake and it's prequel (Both of which I personally enjoyed) but at least those films had a kick ass Leatherface in the form of Andrew Bryniarski.

The only reason this got a theatrical release is because of the words TEXAS CHAINSAW in the title. Otherwise this is ScyFy channel Saturday night schlock at it's worst. Don't waste your hard earned money at the cinema on this one guys. Catch it when it comes to cable, and that's only if you really have to see it.

We did get a cool trailers for THE LAST STAND, BULLET TO THE HEAD, and A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD. Add GANGSTER SQUAD onto those and it's a great start to what looks to be an action filled year cinema wise. They also showed a trailer for the Del Toro produced MAMA, which looks pretty good.

Yeah, I was reading about how bad this new Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie is. Doesn't even seem to have an inspired performance by Matthew McConaughey like The Next Generation does.

It makes me scratch my head at how they could fuck this up so badly. The most glaringly obvious thing being the lead actress is supposed to be a baby in 1974, and the film takes place in the present, and she obviously looks like she's in her 20's. I think they really should have set it in the 1990's. That would have been cool.

Here's hoping they can make another one, and get someone who actually understands the material.

Speaking of The Last Stand, I have it on good authority that it's FRIGGIN' AMAZING.

Quote:

Originally Posted by felix

Who calls himself "Booboo"?

A gigantic douchebag.

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Perfect Weapon

I can't say I am surprised by this. There's not shortage of bad films with that property. Then again, I am a rare person who prefers the third one with Ken Foree rather than the goofy second one that does admittedly have a great poster; I have heard some things about the new film; it has rather strange morals and I'll leave it at that.

I can't believe I looked for it, but I am more shocked that I actually found it; nevermind how but I did. My God... I don't have the same opinion that Rene does. Sure, there were funny moments that I legit laughed at (their license plate is "Hey 4Q2", for example) but I thought it was just terrible filmmaking and I mentioned in the past the term "asstagonists" to describe when the heroes of a film act totally terrible and loathsome... THESE guys are asstagonists. I was amused by how terrible these alleged protagonists were acting, but otherwise this South Florida film just annoyed me, and what Rene mentioned was just part of all the bad things they did, from forced vomiting to racism, skipping out on restaurant bills and more.

At least Grossout sometimes wore a Howard the Duck t-shirt that plugged what was just then a comic book character and the posters in the admittedly well-done gross-looking frathouse included Frank Zappa, Ted Nugent, and oddly enough Jim Croce. I have no idea how Rene found out about the movie but the trailer can at least be found easily on YouTube. I say that's as much of the movie as you need to see, but your mileage may vary.

The new Texas Chainsaw Massacre film does have strange morals indeed. They expect us to identify with an insane cannibal.

King Frat was really silly, and I did like it, but I agree that it was terrible filmmaking. I was amused by it constantly upping itself in the grossout department, but it just made me laugh, for being so stupid and juvenile. It really is a "You'll like it or not." type film.

I mentioned inspired performance by Matthew McConaughey earlier, and last night I saw KILLER JOE since I got the blu-ray in the mail along with the Criterion Blu-ray set of Che with Benicio Del Toro. Well, Killer Joe was all kinds of amazing. It's like a more fucked up and depraved Coen Bros. film. McConaughey DESERVES to be nominated for Best Actor for this film. Seriously, this film is great, and has so many moments of dark comedy that had me laughing. A lot of the comedy comes from Thomas Haden Church. The film also goes down a route that makes you wonder why it wasn't titled DIRTY JOE. One could also say the term "dirty" doesn't just go in the sleazy sense, but also in the actual sense, as Thomas Haden Church's character always looks filthy.

Oh yeah, and "THAT SCENE" that everyone talks about when this film is mentioned. Well, it reminded me of the first scene with Frank and Dorothy in Blue Velvet. It's disgusting, but it has an air of dark humor for being so bizarre and depraved. If you know who Garth Ennis is, then you'll know what I mean when I say that the characters and some of the scenes seem straight out of a Garth Ennis comic.

I unfortunately have heard of both. Don't ask how but I have stumbled upon who they were. Booboo is from at least one of the Twilight sequels, is real good at martial arts and is a big pro wrestling fan. Once he gets older I imagine he'll be in d-rate martial arts actioners direct to DVD.

It sounds like Mark Dacascos' throne could be usurped!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rene (Mr.Eko)

Speaking of The Last Stand, I have it on good authority that it's FRIGGIN' AMAZING.

I very much hope that this is the case. I know many of you guys are (rightly) anticipating this movie due to Arnold's involvement. For me, however, it's the presence of Jee-Woon Kim. A Bittersweet Life was one of my picks for the top ten movies of 2000's, and I unashamedly love I Saw The Devil. i really want him to kick as much ass in Hollywood as he did in his own native country.

Quote:

Originally Posted by felix

TRANSPORTER TV Series Official Trailer

I really don't know about this one. I'll probably wait for one of you guys to watch it and read your verdict before potentially wasting my time.

Hey Saxon, did I see in another thread that you've vowed never to see DJANGO? Why would you do something like that? Art can always surprise you.

I could probably write several paragraphs on that decision but don't really want to derail this thread in any way, and I know quite a few of you guys are big QT fans. I'll probably air my views in a thread devoted to the topic at some point but, in the shortest explanation I can provide for you here: I handed my Quentin Tarantino fanclub card back in during 2003. I am more than happy to pretend he no longer exists.

Have no idea, I have seen none of the guy's work but I certainly hope so. It sounds like they could be quite interesting especially BLOOD OF REDEMPTION (even if some will it's a rehash of A BETTER TOMORROW), but what worries me is the apparent lack of production time and budget so I hope Serafini knows what he's doing... By the way he shares some good and honest insights on his films (notably the GAME OF DEATH debacle) on his website...

Holy shit! Game of Death is watchable, which is a miracle given the kind of production it was. Assuming Rush is his movie from the ground up, it could be a solid film.

BIG SHOTS is on Amazon Instant. Saving me from doing an order of the Warner Archive disc.

Like that movie a lot. Like a kid's version of 48HRS. Winfield's a riot. Love to know how the transfer is. Is it full-widescreen 2.35 from Amazon? I've been prepped to order it from the Archive myself along with the Bogart films CHAIN LIGHTNING, YOU CAN'T GET AWAY WITH MURDER and KING OF THE UNDERWORLD, as well as maybe James Garner's MARLOWE and/or Raquel Welch's FLARE-UP.

Went for a long walk after work yesterday through the wintery streets of Allston, Cambridge and Boston, MA... Dropped by a couple of my favorite used-music and video spots and found a couple of deals. The beloved DIE HARD (1988) on THX-approved laserdisc, and a couple of oldies on VHS: Billy Dee Williams and Richard Pryor's HIT! and the Peter Weller/Kelly McGillis film CAT CHASER, adapted from the work of Elmore Leonard. (I also still need to find the films of GOLD COAST with David Caruso and PRONTO with Peter Falk. I'm a completist.) Then went home and revisited Robert Altman's THE LONG GOODBYE with Elliot Gould, a movie I've seen many times, and watched a recent 50 minute Q&A with Gould about the film on YouTube and learned some neat behind the scenes tidbits.

And just learned my local neighborhood rep-house cinema is running some great midnights in the next couple of months. THE BROOD, COFFY, TRUCK TURNER, BLACK DYNAMITE, David Lynch's DUNE and De Palma's CARRIE. I'll probably hit COFFY and BLACK DYNAMITE, anyway.

EDIT: I almost forgot to pass along two recommendations of New York Documentaries that I caught on YouTube this week.. NY77: THE COOLEST YEAR IN HELL and DARK DAYS. NY77, originally made for VH-1 I think, is a sweet look at that turbulent year in the city's history from the Son of Sam and the heatwave blackout to CBGB, Studio 54 and the birth of hip-hop. DARK DAYS, shot on 16mm black & white stock, is an intense and moving look at the tribes of homeless people living under the city's train tunnels. Often heavy and sometimes hopeful, this one will get to you. Have a look and hope you enjoy!

Revisited The Boost and Star Trek: First Contact earlier. The Boost is still one of the saddest most depressing films ever. Kids at school should see 2 movies. The Boost and Requiem For A Dream. That will keep them from fucking up their lives with drugs.

So to wash that depressing crap out of my mind, I watched the awesome and action filled Star Trek: First Contact. Plenty of horror on display in this film too. Probably the only Star Trek movie to go down this route, and it's also the third most successful after Star Trek IV and the reboot from 2009.

Now I'm onto a horror movie that's a metaphor for drug addiction, Frank Henenlotter's Brain Damage. Saw this a few months ago via Netflix's disc service after hearing about it for years, and seeing that VHS cover at every Mom and Pop rental store I went to, but never got around to renting it. In true Henenlotter fashion, it's pretty damn bizarre, but still entertaining.

Like that movie a lot. Like a kid's version of 48HRS. Winfield's a riot. Love to know how the transfer is. Is it full-widescreen 2.35 from Amazon? I've been prepped to order it from the Archive myself along with the Bogart films CHAIN LIGHTNING, YOU CAN'T GET AWAY WITH MURDER and KING OF THE UNDERWORLD, as well as maybe James Garner's MARLOWE and/or Raquel Welch's FLARE-UP.

Went for a long walk after work yesterday through the wintery streets of Allston, Cambridge and Boston, MA... Dropped by a couple of my favorite used-music and video spots and found a couple of deals. The beloved DIE HARD (1988) on THX-approved laserdisc, and a couple of oldies on VHS: Billy Dee Williams and Richard Pryor's HIT! and the Peter Weller/Kelly McGillis film CAT CHASER, adapted from the work of Elmore Leonard. (I also still need to find the films of GOLD COAST with David Caruso and PRONTO with Peter Falk. I'm a completist.) Then went home and revisited Robert Altman's THE LONG GOODBYE with Elliot Gould, a movie I've seen many times, and watched a recent 50 minute Q&A with Gould about the film on YouTube and learned some neat behind the scenes tidbits.

And just learned my local neighborhood rep-house cinema is running some great midnights in the next couple of months. THE BROOD, COFFY, TRUCK TURNER, BLACK DYNAMITE, David Lynch's DUNE and De Palma's CARRIE. I'll probably hit COFFY and BLACK DYNAMITE, anyway.

EDIT: I almost forgot to pass along two recommendations of New York Documentaries that I caught on YouTube this week.. NY77: THE COOLEST YEAR IN HELL and DARK DAYS. NY77, originally made for VH-1 I think, is a sweet look at that turbulent year in the city's history from the Son of Sam and the heatwave blackout to CBGB, Studio 54 and the birth of hip-hop. DARK DAYS, shot on 16mm black & white stock, is an intense and moving look at the tribes of homeless people living under the city's train tunnels. Often heavy and sometimes hopeful, this one will get to you. Have a look and hope you enjoy!

HIT! is one i've thought about ordering. Let me know how it is. And CAT CHASER is an intriguing one, too. I think there's an unrated cut, not sure if that's what you got.

TRUCK TURNER with an audience? Too cool!

THE LONG GOODBYE is awesome. Hey gang, speaking of cool 70's Altman, CALIFORNIA SPLIT is on TCM Monday night late. Check it out if you've never.

Originally Posted by Rene (Mr.Eko)
Yeah, I was reading about how bad this new Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie is. Doesn't even seem to have an inspired performance by Matthew McConaughey like The Next Generation does.

It makes me scratch my head at how they could fuck this up so badly. The most glaringly obvious thing being the lead actress is supposed to be a baby in 1974, and the film takes place in the present, and she obviously looks like she's in her 20's. I think they really should have set it in the 1990's. That would have been cool.

King Frat was really silly, and I did like it, but I agree that it was terrible filmmaking. I was amused by it constantly upping itself in the grossout department, but it just made me laugh, for being so stupid and juvenile. It really is a "You'll like it or not." type film.

That is a fair thing to say about that film which I saw last night.

Sad to say I am not surprised to hear that Hollywood would do such a stupid thing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Engineer
And just learned my local neighborhood rep-house cinema is running some great midnights in the next couple of months. THE BROOD, COFFY, TRUCK TURNER, BLACK DYNAMITE, David Lynch's DUNE and De Palma's CARRIE. I'll probably hit COFFY and BLACK DYNAMITE, anyway.

Sweet. That sounds like a nice lineup. I am so glad that my first exposure to Black Dynamite was on the big screen at the art-house joint I've mentioned many times before; the crowd there was SO into it, that made it a tremendous experience.

Speaking of tremendous experiences, tonight I finally went to Splitsville, an upscale bowling alley that opened last month at Downtown Disney. It was in the big building which used to hold a gigantic Virgin Records megastore, a tremendous place I went to many times and bought many things at; they left the United States so that building had a few random things in it for short amounts of time before they decided to put in something for the long haul. It's not just a bowling alley but also a restaurant and bar and it's two levels, with the lanes scattered all over the joint. They have music on both floors and upstairs it was mainly pop/dance songs, and it was mainly tunes I enjoyed, so that was nice. I ate a late dinner there while watching the evening football game.

It was a pretty swanky place so I'll enjoy going there as often as I can. Yep I did sit at one of the bars and I did drink an alcoholic beverage. I had the Miami Vice, and yes it was just because of its name and I know people would approve of what it was called; it was described as combining both a rumrunner and a pina colada (getting caught in the rain) and it was a frozen drink. It was good! Sure, some idiots were there but that's OK. The dumbest people weren't even the walking guido stereotypes who were around (you know, gaudy Ed Hardy shirts, gold chains, tans, calling each other "bro", etc.). I did some oogling and goggling, and apparently one lady there had two bowling balls stuffed down the front of her shirt... or at least that's what it looked like to me!

Once I got back home I remembered that I went to their location in Tampa once a few years ago; it's at a place I am rarely by so that's why it was just a single visit there.

"Gosling playing Julian, a former kickboxer and gangster living in Bangkok. When his brother is murdered by a ruthless Thai police lieutenant, Julian is urged by his mother (Kristen Scott Thomas) to seek vengeance or risk his own death."

I am so glad that my first exposure to Black Dynamite was on the big screen at the art-house joint I've mentioned many times before; the crowd there was SO into it, that made it a tremendous experience.

Just finished watching the legendarily-bad 1989 sci-fi flick, R.O.T.O.R. You know, it's refreshing when a movie comes along that really puts things into perspective and reminds you what an awful movie truly looks like. Starting off as just another boring direct-to-VHS actioner from the late 80's, the film eventually crosses over into total madness. We get a lead actor who's entire performance is dubbed by a different actor (always a mark of quality). We get a horse that likes coffee, a robot that likes french fries, an idiot who won't marry his girlfriend named "SONY," several slack-jawed yokels, an American Indian lab tech who acts like a Los Angeles pimp, a buff scientist woman of some sort, and a mustachioed killer cyborg who grunts, can see into the past somehow, gets legitimately angry, can run but chooses not to and walks calmly through folding chairs rather than around them. Totally bizarre. Not to be watched without at least three beers and friends to revel with. It's on YouTube in nine parts. Try it if you dare...

EDIT: I just realized CHUD featured an article on R.O.T.O.R. about a month ago. B-Movie Serendipity, once again!

I'm just going to up and say I really don't like Ryan Gosling. I would love to wipe that smug look off his face.

Checked out two DTV films with thread legends. The first was Fire with Fire. It was shit. Save for one scene where Bruce Willis effortlessly beats up a nazi twice his size. Which the the only action he gets in the film. Avoid big time.

The second was El Gringo, which technically wasn't DTV I guess. This was was a ton of fun. Really enjoyed it. Adkins gets his own Commando level mow down scene.

Geek Out Q of the Day: Can you be a "serious film lover" and hate one of the masters of cinema working today like Tarantino, the Coens, or PT Anderson? I'm of the opinion that you should respect the artistic level they're working at such that you'd be willing to experience and give their newest film the chance to surprise you. Some of my rewarding cinematic experiences have come with a film I didn't actually like or from a filmmaker i didn't think was my cup of tea. What say you guys, do you try to look past personal prejudices when it comes to films/filmmakers with impeccable reputations?

The Exterminator was on sale not too long ago at Deep Discount for about 10 bucks or so. Exterminator 2 is finally coming to disc too. Via Shout Factory on one of their 4 packs. Eye Of The Tiger is on there as well. Still haven't seen that one either.

The Exterminator was on sale not too long ago at Deep Discount for about 10 bucks or so. Exterminator 2 is finally coming to disc too. Via Shout Factory on one of their 4 packs. Eye Of The Tiger is on there as well. Still haven't seen that one either.

Geek Out Q of the Day: Can you be a "serious film lover" and hate one of the masters of cinema working today like Tarantino, the Coens, or PT Anderson? I'm of the opinion that you should respect the artistic level they're working at such that you'd be willing to experience and give their newest film the chance to surprise you. Some of my rewarding cinematic experiences have come with a film I didn't actually like or from a filmmaker i didn't think was my cup of tea. What say you guys, do you try to look past personal prejudices when it comes to films/filmmakers with impeccable reputations?

I totally agree with this. It's the same way I see Tom Cruise. People blindly hate him. I don't really care about him either way. I just know if he's in something that looks great, has great word of mouth, good reviews, and the product comes from good source material, then I'm interested. I know he's going to do a solid job in the role. Is he my favorite actor? No. Do I want to see him in everything? No. But Hollywood works in a way where he's in a lot of stuff I want to see. He's a star. That's how it works. To avoid those potentially great films out of hatred is just stupid and immature. And someone who does so is not a true film fan. I give everything a chance that I'm interested in. Recent examples: I hate Shia LeBouf, but Lawless was done by Hillcoat and it had Tom Hardy in it, so I checked it out and was pleasantly surprised by the film. Oblivion looks like an interesting sci-fi action movie, but it's yet another Tom Cruise movie. Am I gonna avoid seeing it because I'm tired of him starring in everything? Hell no. 47 Ronin has Keanu Reeves in it as an asian samurai (stupid), but I'm still interested, etc etc etc...

I've been meaning to post in regards to what I've watched lately and I'm just now getting around to it.

Silent Night - I made the piss-poor decision of watching this Silent Night, Deadly Night remake with the Mrs. She's good with horror as long as there's enough funny to go with the fright (something like The Cabin in the Woods, Re-Animator, Dead Alive, etc.). I liked the flick to a degree - suffice it to say she did not. There's plenty of awesome death scenes (the wood chipper and the close-up axe to the face come to mind), but little else of note. Silent Night was a good-looking low budget movie, but director Steven C. Miller uses enough lens flares to make J.J. Abrams blush.

Jack Reacher - I read the book this was based off of and preferred it to its onscreen companion, though a fair amount of genre fun can still be found here. The car chase is aces, Jai Courtney gives me faith that his upcoming turn in A Good Day to Die Hard will be relatively painless as he gives good baddie here, Rosamund Pike is hot as per usual, writer-director Christopher McQuarrie's dialogue is razor-sharp as ever and Tom Cruise, while not being a 6'5, brings a toughness to the title role that really works.

Django Unchained - I fucking loved this movie! The first half works a smidgen better for me than the second half does, as I just really dug watching Django Freeman (Jamie Foxx) and Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) pursuing their bounties. While much attention has been directed at Leonardo DiCaprio's admittely great performance, the real stars of the show in my humble opinion are Waltz, doing work that is the better of his brilliant turn in Inglourious Basterds, and Samuel L. Jackson, inhabiting the most despicable negro ever captured on celluloid. Being a Quentin Tarantino film the dialogue, music and violence are all top-tier. I can't wait to see this again sometime very soon as it's certainly one of 2012's best.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - I saw this in 24 fps and 2D in an attempt to recreate the settings I had seeing the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Unfortunately, the quality of this effort doesn't equal its predecessors in the slightest. This movie's cardinal sin is that it's fucking boring. It's not without its moments (the Stone Giant fight and the scene with Gollum come to mind), but they're too far and few between. Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) isn't nearly as charismatic as Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) was. An Unexpected Journey has the vibe of the Star Wars prequels, where practical effects have been replaced by an over-abundance of CGI. "Man in Suit/Make-up" Orcs felt far more threatening and vital than the new-fangled Pale Orc or the ball-chinned Orc King. I also don't much care for dwarves. Gimli was more than enough dwarf for my liking in the original installments. These dwarves are interchangable and their incessant singing, burping and farting grew grating. This is likely my greatest disappointment of 2012 and one of my least favorite films of the year. Unless reviews are glowing for The Desolation of Smaug I likely won't see it in the theater if at all.

Fat Elvis, That is assuming everyone feels...P.T. Anderson, Tarantino, and...Especially The Coen Bros are the...Masters Of Cinema! I enjoyed a few of Tarantino's films, but the other two...No! I will...EEEEEEEEEasilly take...James Cameron Especially True Lies The Terminator and T2, John Woo Especially Hardboiled, Red Cliff, Face-Off and MI: 2 , Richard Donner Especially Lethal Weapon 1-4, and Superman The Movie and Superman II, Steven Spielberg especially...Raiders Of The Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and The Temple Of Doom, and Michael Bay Especially Bad Boys II and the Transformers Trilogy of...TRANSFORMATIVE THEATRICAL FILMS!

Just finished watching the legendarily-bad 1989 sci-fi flick, R.O.T.O.R. You know, it's refreshing when a movie comes along that really puts things into perspective and reminds you what an awful movie truly looks like. Starting off as just another boring direct-to-VHS actioner from the late 80's, the film eventually crosses over into total madness. We get a lead actor who's entire performance is dubbed by a different actor (always a mark of quality). We get a horse that likes coffee, a robot that likes french fries, an idiot who won't marry his girlfriend named "SONY," several slack-jawed yokels, an American Indian lab tech who acts like a Los Angeles pimp, a buff scientist woman of some sort, and a mustachioed killer cyborg who grunts, can see into the past somehow, gets legitimately angry, can run but chooses not to and walks calmly through folding chairs rather than around them. Totally bizarre. Not to be watched without at least three beers and friends to revel with.

I am flattered to hear those compliments. Yeah it is a cool joint.

I have known about R.O.T.O.R. for years and that description you gave only gives me more motivation to watch it! That sounds hilarious. Given that I recently watched a shitty Animal House ripoff known as King Frat, I suppose I am able to watch any sort of oddity online, including R.O.T.O.R.

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Originally Posted by dude hallenbeck
I'm just going to up and say I really don't like Ryan Gosling. I would love to wipe that smug look off his face.

Hmmm. I have no problem with him myself. From what I understand many of the ladies out there are big fans of him. With me, what little I've seen him in, I have enjoyed his performances.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat Elvis
Geek Out Q of the Day: Can you be a "serious film lover" and hate one of the masters of cinema working today like Tarantino, the Coens, or PT Anderson? I'm of the opinion that you should respect the artistic level they're working at such that you'd be willing to experience and give their newest film the chance to surprise you. Some of my rewarding cinematic experiences have come with a film I didn't actually like or from a filmmaker i didn't think was my cup of tea. What say you guys, do you try to look past personal prejudices when it comes to films/filmmakers with impeccable reputations?

Interesting question. I've never thought of myself as a "serious film lover" as I do have odd tastes; hell, who directs films doesn't always mean a lot to me and it seems like many of the modern "popular" directors out there amongst the Internet community... let's just say I don't immediately develop a potato in my pants when a project by one of them is announced or one of their movies makes its premiere. With the directors you've listed, I've talked about Tarantino and the Coens before-some of their works I really don't like-and with Anderson I think Boogie Nights is great and I enjoyed There Will Be Blood but I thought that Magnolia is terrible and filled with characters I could not stand at all and I haven't watched any of his other movies, mainly because I never felt like it. I know the typical "serious film lover" online would be enraged by such talk but I could not care less about their opinions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fazer
Wow, this doesn't look that bad at all! When is this actually going to premiere now? Isn't it supposed to be on STARZ in the US?

Actually, it's on Cinemax and from what little I've seen I believe it'll debut sometime this summer. It's already been shown elsewhere and in fact, if you Google the show, links to torrents are on the first page! No one should do such a thing, of course, at least if you know that the show will eventually be shown where you live.

Originally Posted by Mike Honcho
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - I saw this in 24 fps and 2D in an attempt to recreate the settings I had seeing the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Unfortunately, the quality of this effort doesn't equal its predecessors in the slightest. This movie's cardinal sin is that it's fucking boring. It's not without its moments (the Stone Giant fight and the scene with Gollum come to mind), but they're too far and few between. Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) isn't nearly as charismatic as Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) was. An Unexpected Journey has the vibe of the Star Wars prequels, where practical effects have been replaced by an over-abundance of CGI. "Man in Suit/Make-up" Orcs felt far more threatening and vital than the new-fangled Pale Orc or the ball-chinned Orc King. I also don't much care for dwarves. Gimli was more than enough dwarf for my liking in the original installments. These dwarves are interchangable and their incessant singing, burping and farting grew grating. This is likely my greatest disappointment of 2012 and one of my least favorite films of the year. Unless reviews are glowing for The Desolation of Smaug I likely won't see it in the theater if at all.

I think Jackson made a strategic mistake in having Gimli be the comic relief character in LOTR: it makes it hard to look at Dwarfs as heroic figures in the Hobbit, and the bad makeup and farting/singing sure don't help. I didn't hate the film, but it was just sort of "there" for me, which is a huge letdown from LOTR.

Just watched most of John Carter. I ended up fast forwarding through a bunch of it. Beautiful looking movie, and parts where great, but more parts were just dumb. Taylor Kitsch is sometime channeling a Harrison Ford vibe, other times (too many times) he's just some Hollywood Pretty Boy trying to act Macho. This film reminds me of Sky Captain (although i'd rate it above that film); I wanted to like it, it wanted me to like it, but the Dumb Factor kept intruding.

BERNIE is a real gem. A darkly comic, true small town Texas story, it makes for a nice companion piece to Linklater's THE NEWTON BOYS. Jack Black carries the film with one of his most likable performances. It's been a while since we could enjoy him this much or at all really (maybe TROPIC THUNDER) I like that in getting to the heart of the story, the film never snears or mocks the people or way of life of small town communities. Linklater walks the line between poking fun and showing respect. And it's these small town people themselves, shown interviewed, that are one of the true delights, coming close to stealing the show. A Top 10 of the year for me for sure.

Oh, and what a roll Matthew McConaughey is on. He's in 3 of my favorite movies of last year!

Actually, it's on Cinemax and from what little I've seen I believe it'll debut sometime this summer. It's already been shown elsewhere and in fact, if you Google the show, links to torrents are on the first page! No one should do such a thing, of course, at least if you know that the show will eventually be shown where you live.

Yeah...I believe it will be shown in June on Cinemax. But first episode was all ready shown in Germany on RTL and my fried wached it and say that it was awesome. Style of action an look of the series is the same as in first two movies...they even using his house from first movie, and that french cop from movies is also inthe series, its the same actor. My friend said that fights where awesome, same style as in movies, only with diferent actor, but he was cool. Apperantley only last fight was so- so but that was because was placed in airplane and there wasnt much room for loots of movment...
BTW whole first season was released in Germany on DVD and blu ray last month...Im thinking of getting that DVD...

Im glad that you liked El Gringo...it really was a ton of fun. Actually, I could say that was one of my favorite DTV movies last year...

Yeah, absolutely. Glad to see Adkins laid back and having fun.

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Perfect Weapon

Hmmm. I have no problem with him myself. From what I understand many of the ladies out there are big fans of him. With me, what little I've seen him in, I have enjoyed his performances.

He simply existed to me, until I saw the Gangster Squad trailers. I liked Drive, but I could've seen anyone as the Driver really, Dwayne Johnson played that kind of character with more depth in Faster. His smug, self satisfied expression while Brolin, Penn, Nolte and Patrick among others are absolutely bringing the goods in the Gangster Squad trailer, combined with his banging of Emma Stone makes me want to see him get his ass handed to him.

Also here's a synopsis for Adkins' upcoming Green Street Hooligans 3;

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Scott plays Danny who returns to East London to find out what lead to the death of his younger brother. He finds himself pulled back into the world of football Hooligans but things have changed.

Yeah...I believe it will be shown in June on Cinemax. But first episode was all ready shown in Germany on RTL and my fried wached it and say that it was awesome. Style of action an look of the series is the same as in first two movies...they even using his house from first movie, and that french cop from movies is also inthe series, its the same actor. My friend said that fights where awesome, same style as in movies, only with diferent actor, but he was cool. Apperantley only last fight was so- so but that was because was placed in airplane and there wasnt much room for loots of movment...
BTW whole first season was released in Germany on DVD and blu ray last month...Im thinking of getting that DVD...

Not sure when the series will hit here in Asia though. I like the community nods (Same house and French Inspector) and will definitely catch this if i can.

TRUE JUSTICE: SEASON 2 started showing on Reelz last week. Anyone planning to give The Sensei some weekly TV attention?

OMG!! Daniels looks so embarrassed in this one lol...just look at that forced smile on his face hahaha (but I'm sore for the guy...he deserves so much better). Bernard on the other hand looks like he is having fun lol. And is is just me, or that kind in trailer looks like Justin Bib er only with a bit chubby face lol...

felix, I will not...Reelz in...True Justice, Whilist...Fishing for new series to watch as, I already watch a decent amount of series. if S.H.I.E.L.D. is picked up by ABC, I will have...5 series to watch.

They're buddies, share the same manager and Dolph paired up with almost every one of his action colleagues so there's no reason it won't happen some day...

That's good to know. Let's hope that when the time comes it's on a project that makes the most of them.

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Originally Posted by MrSaxon

I very much hope that this is the case. I know many of you guys are (rightly) anticipating this movie due to Arnold's involvement. For me, however, it's the presence of Jee-Woon Kim. A Bittersweet Life was one of my picks for the top ten movies of 2000's, and I unashamedly love I Saw The Devil. i really want him to kick as much ass in Hollywood as he did in his own native country.

Kim Jee Woon is the main selling point for me. Arnold hasn't had made a classic in a long time, so him being in this isn't what's exciting me.

The question is can he translate his success into an english language film and can a classic be crafted from this story? I'm not sure about the latter, but we don't have long to wait.

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Originally Posted by MrSaxon

I could probably write several paragraphs on that decision but don't really want to derail this thread in any way, and I know quite a few of you guys are big QT fans. I'll probably air my views in a thread devoted to the topic at some point but, in the shortest explanation I can provide for you here: I handed my Quentin Tarantino fanclub card back in during 2003. I am more than happy to pretend he no longer exists.

I find him to be over-rated, but not enough to dismiss his films entriely. We are not all of one opinion on QT around here, so feel free to bring up you reasons for your position if you wish.

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Originally Posted by Fat Elvis

Geek Out Q of the Day: Can you be a "serious film lover" and hate one of the masters of cinema working today like Tarantino, the Coens, or PT Anderson? I'm of the opinion that you should respect the artistic level they're working at such that you'd be willing to experience and give their newest film the chance to surprise you. Some of my rewarding cinematic experiences have come with a film I didn't actually like or from a filmmaker i didn't think was my cup of tea. What say you guys, do you try to look past personal prejudices when it comes to films/filmmakers with impeccable reputations?

I don't 'hate' anyone, there are just some films that I will not give any time to. There's not many, but knowing that you don't need to follow up on a trailer to check something out is quite liberating.

The label of 'Master' is purely subjective opinion. There are some that would dismiss the three you mention and would feel the same about Scorcese, Spielberg and others.

Personally, I try to look at a film on it's own and judge it on it's own merits. Sometimes the presence of an indivdual in from or behind the camera is a giveaway to what the film will be like. Examples would be the 'comedies' of Adam Sandler and Tyler Perry. You know what you are going to get when those names come up.

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Originally Posted by dude hallenbeck

Also here's a synopsis for Adkins' upcoming Green Street Hooligans 3;

This seems like a step down for Scott. 3rd part of a little-seen franchise?

Unless of course they're using the franchise name to get a standalone film some notice. It's just a damn shame that putting 'Scott Adkins' above the title is not yet a selling point.

I have to say that there's only two series i am crazy about right now. Fringe and Archer.

I watch Sons Of Anarchy regularly as well. But that's about it.

I used to be such a fan of SoA, and then I just stopped watching about halfway through this season. It was a mix of Sandy ravaging through our neighborhood (I live in PA, near Maryland and lost power for two days) and just...it just went too OTT for my tastes. Like they were just trying to top themselves in the shock value.

The only shows I take the time to really watch (and by watch, I mean record them on my DVR and watch it later in the night) is Supernatural, The Walking Dead, any form of wrestling, and Psych (god, the wait for the new season for the latter is TORTURE!). I may catch the new Kevin Bacon crime drama The Following when it premieres as well. The previews have me intrigued and I've heard decent word from it (I also hear it's a front runner for most brutal prime time TV show).

I find him to be over-rated, but not enough to dismiss his films entriely. We are not all of one opinion on QT around here, so feel free to bring up you reasons for your position if you wish.

Although I'd never say I was previously a Tarantino "fanboy", I did used to be a fairly big admirer of his.

I'm pretty sure that Reservoir Dogs was the first movie (or at least among the first five) that I ever purchased (VHS! And it came with a swanky little book too!) simply because I'd heard good things about it. I didn't really 'get' Pulp Fiction when that movie first came out and used to argue with friends that RD was the better movie, although I could certainly see the attraction of PF. I think that I can pinpoint the moment when I fell in love with Tarantino's work and that was From Dusk Til Dawn. It was the right movie at just the right moment of my life, and I couldn't wait to see what the guy would do next. Although I liked Jackie Brown a lot, it initially fell short in comparison to FDTD in my eyes, and I only grew to appreciate it later (I now view it as potentially his greatest movie, interestingly). The night that I went to see Kill Bill Volume 1 was one of the worst nights of my life and yet, at the end of that movie, I was completely blown away. It felt as though there was someone out there who got my love for Asian cinema, had taken that passion and turned it into one of the most amazing movies I had ever seen.

And then...came Kill Bill Volume 2. I don't remember how much I knew about that movie before I eventually saw it, but I recall how utterly disappointed I felt during and after viewing it for the first (and only) time. The first movie had featured exciting, epic battles and mindblowing twists (her daughter was still alive!). The second was lots of people talking about pop culture references and, if I remember correctly, a minor skirmish in a trailer. Even the final battle which I'd prepared myself to be epic - I mean, it had to be, right? The movie was named after it! It had to surpass the final battle of the first volume! - was a complete letdown. Two people talking about Superman and then it was over!

I'd say that KBV2 is one of the biggest movie disappointments of my life and I didn't even bother to watch Death Proof at the theatre when it came out (as Grindhouse had been split into two where I was living at the time). I eventually watched it a year after its release and considered it nothing less than terrible. It was proof to me that the guy who made the fantastic Jackie Brown had believed his own hype and been swallowed by it. Having been praised for his dialogue, Tarantino decided that the majority of his movie would therefore feature beautiful women speaking just like him. It was surreal; as though Tarantino had unleashed some sort of fever dream onto celluloid where actresses like Rosario Dawson assumed the form of his fantasies, making obscure references to 70's cartoons and hanging their bare feet out of cars just so that he could lust over his favourite female body parts. The only redeeming element of that movie was Kurt Russell. I never made it to the end and kind of walked away from that movie shaking my head.

I didn't get far into Inglorious Basterds but that was probably because I was already ready to hate it and didn't give it a chance. I don't remember Michael Fassbender being in the movie so probably didn't get very far as he's supposedly introduced quite early.

Still, Fat Elvis said something quite true which is that "Art can always surprise you". I've therefore now decided that I will go and watch Django Unchained despite my initial reluctance to do so. I can't very well state that an artist has lost their way if I haven't even given their latest creation the chance to turn my opinion around.

Watched Eraser again for the first time in aeons a few days ago and really liked it more than any other time I've seen it. In my memory it was one of Arnie's lesser movies so I thought of it as a bad film, but it's really, really damn fun. I mean, it still is one of his lesser movies, but when it's Arnie that still means it can be joyous as hell. Arnie's having a ball of course and James Caan is seriously sweet as the bad guy. And you pretty much can't go wrong with a climax on a ship at the docks.

Also finally saw Expendables 2 and it jumped into my Top 5 of 2012. I know there are bits and pieces which don't work but the stuff which does work is nothing short of magnificent. The action scenes all ruuuuuuuule, Sly is just beautifully Sly, Dolph is pure sleazy-ass gold, Chuck is ridiculously loveable and JCVD is the best villain since Val Kilmer in MacGruber (and Val was the best villain this millenium, so JCVD is riding at #2 since Y2K for me). It's so damn tremendous even my wife and her sister loved it, and they're not even boys.

But best of all about watching these movies of course was getting the chance to post in this hallowed thread which I visit far too infrequently.

Is Eraser the movie which features an awesome gun that can fire through walls? Haven't seen it in years but should really rewatch that one.

Yeah, it is. For me Eraser was last Arnies big movie where he was typical him blowing shit up...
After that one, Arnie just wasnt him self anymore....although all movies he did after where OK to me...but nothing more then that.

BTW guys...did anybody ever watched SHOGUN COP, 1999. movie with Robert Patrick? Or where could I get it?